By Deborah Akpede
Ikeja, – A 52-year-old man, Henry Anuwom, was docked at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for allegedly using a cutlass to attack a staff member of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) .
Anuwom was alleged to have used a cutlass to cut one of the hands of Mr Seun Oladele, a staff member of IKEDC while performing his official duty.
Anuwom is standing trial on a charge of assault.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, said the accused committed the offence on Feb. 12 at Ayobo near Lagos.
“The accused used a cutlass to cut Oladele on his left palm which caused him grievous harm.
“The complainant had disconnected the wire serving as the power source to the apartment of the accused that had not paid his bill in the last six months.
“The accused rushed out of his apartment with a cutlass and threatened to attack Oladele if he did not reconnect his wire.
“When the complainant refused to comply, the accused made good his threat by cutting Oladele’s left palm.
“The case was reported to the police and the accused was immediately arrested,” the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section stipulates three years’ imprisonment for serious assault.
When the charge was read out, Anuwom, who resides at Olayemi in Ayobo area of Lagos State, however, pleaded not guilty.
The magistrate, Mrs F.F. George granted the accused N250,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
George said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until March 22 for mention.